Cosplayer Interviews

Thank you for having me! I’m Mel, or as some of you might know me by WindoftheStars. I’ve been cosplaying since 2004, and truly love this creative art form. Some of my favorite types of costume to make come from video games and from my own design. In the little free time outside of work and costuming, I love to swim, play video games or watch movies with my dog.

2. I noticed you’ve made many amazing cosplay and really hot in many cosplay social network, so how did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?

I was always really into costumes since I was a kid. When I was a little girl, my mom and I would work together to make rather elaborate Halloween costumes for me. In fact I dressed up as Sailor Moon for two years in row. I remember using a Christmas bows and my old cheerleading skirt for the costume! It wasn’t until I got into college that I really found out about cosplay and conventions. Wanting to make new friends and find out about more anime, so I joined the anime club on campus. They had an annual event in which they encouraged members and attendees to cosplay. This idea just sounded like so much fun that I had my mom help me with my costume and I dressed up as Cassandra Alexandra from Soul Calibur II. It was so much fun, that I started looking into cosplay more online. That’s when I found about anime conventions, and well, the rest is history.

3. What has been your favourite cosplay?

This question is always a tough one for me to answer. There have been several costumes that I would consider my favorites for one reason or another. My top 4 in no particular order are Eternal Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon, Lina Inverse from Slayers Next, Lilith from Borderlands, and Cassandra Alexandra (3p) from Soul Calibur II.

4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion.I see your shop in etsy.com, so I think you can promote it to our readers as well.

I first start off by doing a lot of research. I look up reference images, different techniques I might use in the project, figure out what patterns I might need to use, and I might even look at other costumes just to see if I can get any inspiration. Then I start the planning and brainstorming phase. I make a game plan on how I want to tackle each part of the costume and what materials I will want to use. If I don’t already have a specific way in mind I’ll sit down and brain storm ways to solve the problem. Sometimes if I’m really stuck or unsure of something will work, I’ll run it by my friends to see what their input is on it. Even if you don’t take their suggestions, it might help spark an idea in you that you never thought of. From there I start gathering supplies. Since this is the expensive part of the costume I try to spread it over a few weeks, if not months, so the financial burden is a little easier to bear. Once supplies are gathered, I’ll start crafting. Working little bits here and there. I usually try to have a few things going on at once so if I get stuck (sewing or mentally!) I can take a break and focus on something else. If something isn’t working out, the best thing to do is to put it down and walk away for bit. Even just sleeping on it will make the world of difference if you are struggling on something. Slowly, the costume takes shape and it’s done. At the con and/or photo shoot is when the magic happens. The first time you get to put on the whole costume with full make-up and hair, and getting to see all your hard work come to fruition, it’s extremely gratifying. Yes I do run an Etsy shop. I sell a variety of cosplay accessories for Sailor Moon, Avatar the Last Airbender, Devil May Cry, and Final Fantasy XIII costumes. I offer some basic larger resin shapes like hearts and rounds that can be used for a variety of different costumes. I also have prints of my costumes for anyone that’s interested in those as well. You can find all of this at Windofthestars.etsy.com

5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?

Most definitely sewing. When I started cosplaying, I didn’t even know how to use a sewing machine. My mother showed me how to use the machine, but that was about it. The rest of the stuff I know, was mostly learned through self teaching. I learned a lot from reading tutorials online and most important, my mistakes! I’ve been extremely lucky to have gotten a job as a professional tailor a few years ago and I have learned so much more than I could have ever learned on my own.

6. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Make sure to have fun! It doesn’t matter what your costume looks like as long as you enjoy the time you spend in it. The memories you create with your friends while cosplaying will be the things you hold onto more so than stressing about if your costume was 100% accurate. Take things one stitch and brush stroke at a time. Learn from you mistakes, because they are the best tools for learning.

7. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?

I’ll be attending Fanime con in San Jose, CA and Dragon Con in Atlanta, GA. I will have an artist alley table selling costume accessories and prints at Kintoki Con in Sacramento, CA.

Places you can find me at:

Windofthestars.com

Facebook.com/windofthestarscosplay

Windofthestars.etsy.com

Twitter.com/windofthestars

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Kairi G from NYC join in our cosplay interviews today, Kairi began cosplay in 2003, graduated in fashion design and made many amazing costumes.And if you are looking for custom wedding gowns ideas in NYC, contact kairi as well

My name is Erica, but I go by Kairi G online! I’ve been cosplaying since 2003 and have made close to 100 costumes for myself and others! Currently, I live in NYC, working, and planning to go back to college for a masters degree! I originally studied Fashion Design, but I now plan to return to school to study Nutrition Science! I still do some freelance costume design as well! I tend to be an entrepreneurial type and I am also working on starting up a line of handmade cosmetics and bath products! (PersephoneApothecary on Etsy!)

2. I noticed you’ve made many amazing cosplay, so how did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?

I got started in cosplay at my very first convention in January of 2003, but I had been sewing and making costumes for years before that! My first costume was a true closet cosplay, but by Anime Boston that year, I had made a Yuna (FFX) costume for myself and helped my friends with 4 other Final Fantasy costumes. I never turned back after that! 10 years later I am still going strong!

3. What has been your favourite cosplay?

With all the costumes I have made, it is very hard to pick a favorite. I love both of my Eowyn costumes from Lord of the Rings. I am also quite fond of my recent original design based on Bollywood fashion and the Final Fantasy summon, Carbuncle.

4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion.I see you accept cosplay commissions, so I think you can promote it to our readers as well.

I tend to procrastinate a lot! I spend months thinking about the costume, how I am going to make it, what materials to use, etc… But then when it comes down to actually making the costume, I’m lucky if I start even a month in advance of the convention. I work quickly and have an excellent repertoire of techniques after 10 years of doing this, so I can usually get my stuff done in time, looking good!

I am taking it easy and not accepting commissions right now, need to focus on work and school.

5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?

I have learned so many skills and techniques through this hobby, but I have also learned that I cannot be perfect at everything. So I’ve learned to ask for help, consult or commission people who are true experts! I have, most importantly, learned not to take cosplay too seriously, anytime it starts to feel stressful or like work, I take a step back and reevaluate why I want to do it, for fun and friends!

6. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Never be afraid to ask for help! Introduce yourself to the cosplayers you admire and respect! It is a social hobby and we all can help each other be the best cosplayers possible! Also, do not let anyone tell you who or who not to cosplay as, this is your hobby and your choice! Do not listen to trolls on the Internet, they are just jealous. You are putting yourself out there when you cosplay and that does take courage and talent whether you’ve been doing it for 1 month or 10 years, so be confident, have fun, and ignore the haters.

7. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?

In 2013 I will be attending Katsucon, ColossalCon, Dragon*Con, AnimeUSA, and New York Comic Con. At Katsucon I am planning to wear my Sakizou Strawberry Ice Cream girl, Chihaya (fruits costume) from IDOLM@STER, and one of my Eowyn gowns! Possibly my Bunny Suit or Bollywood costumes as well! I always welcome people to introduce themselves to me at the con! Check out my Facebook page ( Kairi G Cosplay) before the con for my official schedule! Looking forward to meeting new friends!

1.Introduce you first.
-Hi, my name is Malinda Mathis, and I go by Malindachan as my cosplay alias.

2.How did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?
-I got into cosplay during High School thanks to our Anime Club. My first real cosplay was in 2004 when I cosplayed Edward Elric for Halloween and for special Anime Club events.

3.What has been your favourite cosplay?
-It’s really hard to decide, though I’ve got a special place in my heart for Yusei Fudo. It’s the one I’ve worn the most, and it’s got a lot of fond memories attached to it.

4.Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!
-First thing I do is look for tons of references so that I know every detail before I even start. Then I order the wig base! XD You never know if the place you want to order from will be out of stock or take a while to get to you, so I make sure I order it as soon as possible so I have enough styling time. I go to a local fabric store to browse for material ideas until I’ve picked out what I feel is the best match. But I will usually hold out on getting the fabric until it’s either on sale or if I have a coupon (cosplaying can be expensive!). I prioritize the stuff that is essential to getting done first, but I also like to switch around while I’m working on certain items so that I’ve got some variety going on. If I’m doing nothing but sewing for several days, I might no longer be motivated to sew later, so I’ll switch to something like props, the wig, or accessories for a while before going back to sewing again. I always like to listen to music or have a movie/show playing in the background as I work because I cannot work in silence. XD Taking progress photos as I go and sharing them with friends on facebook is also a huge motivator, because feedback can really help keep me going.

5.What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?
-I’ve learned lots of things about working with different kinds of materials and such, but the biggest thing this hobby has taught me is about my own self. I’ve become a stronger person thanks to cosplaying, and I’ve learned some values.

6.Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay beginners?and I noticed you made some amazing wig tutorials, could you tell us some key points for style a wig?
-Never underestimate what you’re capable of. Experiment with new materials and techniques, and you might surprise yourself. I didn’t know I’d have a knack for wig-styling until I tried it. Next thing I knew, my wigs became the highlight of my cosplay work. Sure, some people might catch on faster at the start compared others because they either have an artistic eye or are good with their hands, but with how much variety there is in this hobby, there’s bound to be something that makes each person stand out. Some people excel at sewing, some are great with props or wigs, some are better at mimicking the characters’ personalities. Find your niche and work off it!

7.Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?
-I’ve got a huge convention lineup this year, especially because I work for Arda-wigs now and will be traveling to help work the wig booth. More will be added to the list for-sure, but as of now I know I’ll be at Katsucon, Naka-kon, Evillecon, Acen, Colossalcon, Cosplacon, Anime Expo, and Dragon*con. Some of them I’ll just be attending for fun, some are for work, and I’ll be a cosplay guest at two of them.

1. Hi Cat-Chan,thanks to join in our interviews,so please introduce you first.
Hello, I’m Cat-chan! I’ve been cosplaying since 2004 and I live in Texas. I attend many cons in my home state but I’ve ventured to Louisiana, Oklahoma and California too. I keep track of my cosplay adventures on my website catchancosplay.com, please come visit!

2. You have got many rewards in different anime conventions, so how did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?
I first learned about cosplay when I went to my first anime convention with my college anime club. A couple of the girls in the club had costumes, and as I walked around the con that weekend I saw so many awesome costumes! I wanted to wear a cool costume too so for my next convention I made 3. The were pretty terrible but I was so excited to cosplay. I made a Koto costume from Yu Yu Hakusho (one of my favorite series), a Pikachu gijinka and probably the worst Ash Ketchum costume ever. It was so much fun to cosplay that I never stopped.

3. What has been your favourite cosplay?
Can I pick 2? I’m going to pick 2. My Orihime Inoue costume will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the costume that brought me to so many amazing people, I owe many of my best cosplay memories to that costume. I am actually hoping to remake it soon! My second choice is my Mami Tomoe costume. Everything about this costume makes me happy. I loved making it, I love wearing it and I love meeting other fans of Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

4. Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!
I usually start by gathering as many references as I can of the character. Once I have all the references I need I begin to plan how I will construct certain things. I will decide what techniques I will use and try to estimate how much time and money everything will take. Then I begin acquiring supplies and working. I tend to try to get the big pieces of a costume finished first and save the small details for last.

5. What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?
The biggest challenge in cosplay for me is figuring out how to take something two dimensional and turn it into a real thing. I cosplay mostly from anime and cartoons, things that don’t have 3D model sheets and detailed references. It can be very hard to visualize these things in a 3D setting, at least for me. I’ve seen myself grow though, from the beginning when I would have to use patterns with very minor alterations and make simple costumes to now being able to make major pattern alterations (or sometimes draft my own) and sew complex garments. It’s actually kind of crazy to think about, haha.

6. You also got much Staff Experience in conventions, so any interesting wanna share?
Haha, there is always something interesting happening when you are working at a con! I really enjoy working on staff and it has taught me a lot about how conventions work behind the scenes. I really support anyone that wants to learn more about how a con works to volunteer. Most conventions will reward you for your work with things like free badges, swag, and more. It’s a great way to give back to something that gives us so much fun and entertainment.

7. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?
HAVE FUN! If cosplay stops being fun then you might want to take a step back and look at what is going on. I know I’ve stressed myself out over crazy deadlines or schedules packed too tight. Just remember that its your hobby and that real life comes first. Also never give up, even if you fail on something, learn from it and keep on trying. Everyone was a beginner once.

8. Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through 2013?
Right now I am definitely attending All-con, Anime Matsuri, LouisiANIME, San Japan and Ikkicon. I am also hoping to go to A-kon and Anime Fest and maybe Anime Overload too.

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Today Kie,founder of Angel Hearts Cosplay( If you are frequently join CA. based anime&game conventions,maybe you have seen AHC’s J-pop dance already), Join in our cosplay interviews to share her cosplay story.

Hi! I’m Kie — cosplayer since 1999, fashion designer, artist, Lolita, and gamer. I am the founder and leader of Angel Hearts, a California cosplay dance group known for performing songs from THE IDOLM@STER.

2.How did you get started in with cosplay, what was your first cosplay?

In 1998 I was active online in the fan art community. I learned about Anime Expo and cosplay on the internet and decided to go in 1999 and dress as one of my favorite characters, Sailor Mars. Before AX came around, however, San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival held its first cosplay contest in April 1999. I found about it two weeks before the event and asked my mom to help me quickly put together a costume. I picked Tifa from Final Fantasy VII. It was pretty bad, but that’s how a lot of cosplay was back in those days.

3.What has been your favourite cosplay?

My favorite costume has always been Ocarina of Time Zelda. I would really like to remake it someday.

4.Describe your creative process for starting a costume through completion!

The first thing I do is gather all the reference I can find of a costume. I used to draw turnarounds of the outfit to make sure I knew what it looked like from all angles, but these days if I can see all the details and visualize it in my head, I don’t bother. I make a collage with all the reference images and print them out so I can refer to them at all stages of construction. Next I hunt for materials. I have a fairly extensive knowledge of textiles and am very particular about the materials I use. The weight, texture, and drape of the fabric must be appropriate for the intended project, and the color just right. Sometimes I spend a very long time hunting for just the right fabric. Once I have all the materials, I start patterning the cloth parts of the costume. If the shape is something I have not worked with before, I’ll make a mockup. Cutting always takes a long time, but sewing is pretty quick. Once the cloth pieces are done, I move on to accessories, jewelry, armor, shoes, wigs, props, or whatever embellishments are needed to complete the outfit. I always make sure to coordinate my makeup as well!

I started Angel Hearts in 2003 because I wanted a group of dedicated cosplayers to sing and dance to J-pop songs with. Unfortunately J-pop cosplay was not very popular, and I had a hard time finding people who wanted to join. We performed some ZONE and Hello! Project songs, but the group was not very active for many years. In 2005 we did our first ParaPara dance show, and in 2006 I discovered the IDOLM@STER game. I was very excited about the game and pulled some people together to perform a few songs in 2007. The group grew slowly after that and really finally started to pick up in 2010. We now have an active group with eight members and perform at events all around California. After the IDOLM@STER anime aired in 2011, a lot more people started to recognize our cosplay and we are really happy to meet more IDOLM@STER fans!

6.What is the biggest learning curve you have learned about the hobby in the past years?

If I don’t know how to do something, I will research it until I figure it out. Probably the biggest challenge for me so far has been the programmable lights in the “Starry” costumes from THE IDOLM@STER. E-textiles was a field I was completely unfamiliar with, but the key to learning is knowing who to go to for help. I read everything I could on the subject and after a few months managed to come up with a plan for our lighting. It is very satisfying when you finally see everything come together.

7. Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

My advice to new cosplayers would be to do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Constructing costumes is something that takes a lot of practice and experience to get right, so don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t turn out right the first time. Just keep working at it. Also don’t forget to smile and have fun! Cosplay is not something to stress over.

8.Lastly, what is your con schedule looking like through early 2013?

The year started out rough for me — I missed Anime LA because I was really sick. Hopefully the rest of the year will turn out better! I will be at AOD in San Francisco in February along with two other members of Angel Hearts, and then five of us will be going to AD Sabakon in Las Vegas in April! For sure we will be going to FanimeCon at the end of May. I am crossing my fingers that we can get all eight members this year!